5 Steps to the Perfect Classroom Setup

There is something special about a fresh start in a new classroom. Whether you are changing grade levels or subjects (like me this year!) your classroom sets the tone for the rest of the year. This is one of the first things that students will see, how they will get to know you, and a taste of what they will be learning about this school year. Your classroom is like your first impression in many ways. With that being said- setting up my classroom is the best part of moving classes so I have a lot of fun with this! Below are a few of my tips for creating the perfect classroom setup!

Tip #1: Use paper to plan your classroom setup

Pencils and erasers are a way easier method to moving things in your room than actually moving all the furniture a bunch of times! I use graph paper (because I’m a math nerd like that!) and draw a layout of my new room with a marker or pen. Then I switch to my pencil for arranging bookcases, teacher area, small group area, library, etc. This gives me the flexibility to ‘move things’ without lifting a finger. I usually make a few layouts and see which one works best.

If you are tech savvy you could also make this digital and size things to scale. No matter which way you choose, be sure to try out a few layouts to see which fits best. Sometimes the most off-the-wall layouts work best!

With that being said- you might have to move things around in real life. Try to enlist a friend, family member, or teacher bestie to help you out! It might take a few tries. You can always switch things up throughout the school year if you find that things aren’t working for you!

I’ve also found it helpful to walk around the school and get ideas from teachers in your building. Maybe they put their desk in a certain spot or arranged their student desks in a different shaped pod. Get ideas from others too!

Tip #2: Think about your grade

This seems like a no-brainer but design for your grade level in mind! Make sure things like tables are at the right height, books can be reached without help, and things you don’t want kids getting into are high enough. If a kid is going to use it regularly, it needs to be at their level. 

But this tip also extends into other parts of the design. For example, I LOVE cursive. I write in cursive all the time. However, most kids can’t read it (even middle schoolers) so I don’t use cursive in my design (unless it’s just for me like my planner). Think about your students at every step of the design process, whether it is layout or bulletin board design.

If you haven’t taught this grade level before then ask around! Facebook groups are a helpful place to begin or scroll Instagram and find some teachers who teach your grade level. Both are good places to browse, ask questions and get a feel for your new grade level students!

As you are thinking about your grade- also think about your teaching style! Do you teach from a carpet area or a whiteboard? Do you need space for math station materials? Map out where these things should go so that they are intentionally placed not thrown somewhere that doesn’t make sense.

Tip #3: Organization (& labeling) is key

Kids will not magically remember where things are in your room. I label EVERYTHING. Library levels, headphones, math station games, guided reading sets, supplies. You name it, it has a label. I do that for 2 reasons. First, so kids know where things are, and second, so they know where things go back. They can’t say they didn’t know! 

For younger grades or ELLs, pictures work great in addition to words. I use words but then tell kids they can always look inside if they need help. Clear containers also work well for this.

I have a whole post filled with organization supplies you need linked here if you want to check it out!

The organization is also key for different parts of your day. I like to make sure my math learning centers are organized and placed in a space that makes sense to my students. Want to know more about setting up math stations in your classroom? I have a 5 part video series that shows you how to set them up & keep them organized. Drop your email below for the FREE video series!

Tip #4: Classroom Setup Color/Design

I love decorating and HGTV is pretty much my background noise of choice so this is the part that gets me all giddy! I pick simple color palettes that are all pretty similar over the years. For example, I went from navy/mint/coral to mint/coral/black to mint/black to black/ bright colors. Seeing the trend? 

Storage is expensive so my storage containers have pretty much stayed the same (although the Dollar Store, has options for well $1). If you are just starting out, look for neutral color storage containers. Clear, white, and black will work with any color scheme.

While I don’t buy new bins each year, I do switch out labels because it keeps things fresh and organized. This is an extra step, but it helps me organize bins and supplies if I am also making a label for the basket.

Remember- you don’t need to spend a boat-load of money to have a color/theme and you don’t even have to have a color palette at all! You do you! Your space should reflect you and the learning you will do with your students. That can be done with or without- a color scheme.

This year I’m keeping with my black and brights theme. I like how simple it is to find things that match and fit in perfectly for 6th grade. I recommend sticking with something you love that allows for lots of variation with colors or patterns. This makes it easy to add to year after year.

Tip #5: Create something you & your students love

Your room is meant to be shared with both you and your students. I love letting kids’ input be showcased! From work on the walls to math problem banners and illustrative class rules, let kids be in the room too! When the year starts, my walls are pretty blank because I want their work to be shown. We ‘decorate’ as the year goes on and I love creating a space WITH my students.

Having a space for students to hang their work up is definitely something I did more in elementary school than in middle school. I do however have students help create our word wall for the units. This gives students some ownership over the room and their learning too.

Other Classroom Set Up Ideas

If you are looking for more classroom setup ideas then I have linked up other teachers’ classroom setups. I’ve learned so much from other teachers-even if they aren’t my grade level!

•  10 Tips for Setting Up Your Classroom
• 7 Classroom Setup Tips Teachers Swear By
• Steps for Setting Up a Classroom as a First-Year Teacher
• Classroom Set Up Part 1: Moving all the things (she has a 6 part video series if you want an indepth look at setting up a classroom start to finish!)
• Classroom Setup Article from the Responsive Classroom
• Classroom Setup- All the Organization video

I’d love to hear from you! What other tips would you add for creating the perfect classroom set-up? Drop your response in the comments and let’s chat!